Grade-crossing signal



Aug. 12 f1 9Z 1,504,606 J. P. COLEMAN IET AL GRADE CROSSING SIGNAL Filed March 9. 1917 www Patented Aug. 12, Y1924.

UNITED STATES 1,504,606 PATENT GFFICE.

JGHN 1. COLEMAN AND PELE- UTNE, 0F EDGEWGGD BOROUGH, PENNSYLVANIA, AS-

SIGNORS T0 THE UNIONv SWITCH c SIGNAL COMPANY, 0F SVTSSVALE, PENNSYL- VANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

GRADE-CROSSING SIGNAL.

Application filed March 9, 1917. Serial No. 153,691..

T 0 @ZZv tf1/tom` t may concern.'

Be it known that we, JOHN P. COLEMAN and Pini UTNE, citizens of the United States, both residing at Edgewood Borough, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Grade-Crossing Signals, or which the following is a speciiication.

This invention relates to grade crossing signals for use at the intersection ohighways and railways.

We will describe one form of crossing signal and one means :tor controlling such signal, embodying our invention, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

lThe accompanying drawing is a view, partly in elevationl and partly diagram- Amatic, showing one form of signal and one means for controlling the signal embodying vour invention.

Referring to the drawing in detail, S designates generally a crossing signal embodying our invention and which as here shown comprises a Asemaphore D and mechanism for operating the semaphore. .The operating mechanism is arranged within a casing C, while the semaphore D is pivotedly mounted on the outer end of a tubular extension C formed on .the casing C. To simplify the drawing, the casing C and extension C are shown in dash lines. The semaphore D comprises an arm d and a bob d, the latter carrying an electric lamp 11, The disk 10 and lamp 11 are colored red to indicate danger, while painted upon opposite sides of the disk is the word Stop The stop aspect of the signal S is obtained by continuously oscillating the semaphore D. When the semaphore is held in. obscured position between a pair of fixed shields 12, 12, the proceed aspect is given. Vhen the semaphore assumes a vertical positioii due to failure of the mechanism or circuits, which position fully displays the disk 10 and lamp 1B, it indicates stop and at the saine time, owing to the absence ci motion of the semaphore, an indication that such failure has occurred is also given. Ve obtain these aspects or' the semaphore by means of the mechanism arranged wit-hin the casing C, which mechanism will now be described..

M designates an electric mot-or which is in this instance 01" the direct current type. This motor drives a crank 14 through the medium or' a pinion 15 fixed to the motorA arm A, the lower end of which is bifurcated to provide a longitudinally extending slot 19. The crank 14 when rotated rocks the arm A about the axle 18 as center by means of a pin 20 carried by the crank and moving within the slot 19. Pivoted upon the axle 18 is a second arm A to which the pendulum d is connected for movement therewith by means o'l a connecting rod 21 arranged within` the tubular extension C. This arm A is normally disconnected from the arm A but may be connected to the same for movement therewith by a clutch L. This clutch comprises in this instance an electromagnet E having an armature 22 to which is connected one end of a rod 23, the other .end of this rod being provided with a roller 24.v `When the electro-magnet E is energized, armature 22 is attracted to move the rod 23 upwardly, thereby projecting the roller 24 beyond guides 24. With the roller in projected position as shown in the drawing, it engages the confronting ends oit' a pair et dogs 25 pivoted on the arm A', and thereby locks the arms A and A together so that it' the motor M is then energized, rocking movement. will be imparted to the arm A to cause oscillatory movement or' the semaphore D. Should the electromagnet E become deenergized during oscillation of the seiiiaphore or while in its obscured position, as shown in the drawing, roller 24 will gravitate to disengage from the dogs 25, whereby arms A and. A will be disconnected. With arms A and A disconnected, pendulum ci, will naturally assume a vertical position to display the disk and lamp.

The signal S as a whole is adapted to be controlled, in this instance, by means et a train or car traversing an insulated section of railway track T. This section of railway track is provided. with a track circuit including a relay R connected across the track rails adjacent the one end of the section, and a battery D iter energizing such relay bridging the track rails adjacent the other end of such section. The armature r of the relay B is biased by means of a spring`26 to engage a back contact 27 when the relay is de-energized to complete a main circuit including the motor M and a battery B', which Vcircuit is as follows: fromfpositive side ot batte-ry B, through wires 23 and 29arma-ture r, back contact 27, wires 30 and 31, motor M, wires 32 and 33 to battery B. lilith the closuie ot this main motor circuit, a circuit for energizing the lamp 11 is also completed as follows: from wire 30, through wires 34 and 34a, lamp l1, wires 35, 36 and 33 to battery B. When the relay R is energized, as shown in the drawings, armature r engages a liront contact 3'? to complete a main circuit ltor energizing the magnet E, which circuit is from battery Bg through wiresV 2S and 29, armature r, front contact 37, wire 3S, contact linger 39, back contact 40, wire 4l, windings Vot' magnets E, wires 42, 36 and 33 to battery B.

"lt'will be noted that the circuit just rtraced is not only controlled by the relay R, but is 'also controlled bythe contact linger 39. rThe contact linger 39 is biased to normally engage a contact 43 but when the arm ,Av is in the normal position as shown in the drawings, a stud 44 ol. insulating material mounted on the arm A engages the contact linger to torce the same out ot engagement with the Contact and into engagement with the contact 40. lWhen the stud 44 moves out ol engagement with the contact linger 39, maglnet lllis maintained energized through an Yauxiliary circuit which is controlled by a contact linger 45 actuated by a centrifuge X.' Such auxiliary circuit is from battery B through wires 23 and 4G, contact 47, contact linger 45, wires 48 and 41windi'ngs ot magnets E, wires 42, 36, and 33 to battery t5. The centrifuge X is of any suitable construction and as here shown is operated by the motor M to close the contacts 45-47 Y when rotating and to open such contact when at rest. Contact 43 is connected to the wire 34 by a wire'49 so that when contact linger 39 engages suchv contact an auxiliary circuit for the motor Mis closed which is from battery B through wires 28 and 29, armature fr, contact 37, wire 38, contact linger 39, contact 43, wires 49, 34 and 3l, motor M, wires 32 and-33 to battery B.

The operation of the signal is as follows: VTWith -the signal S in the normal or proceed g position, as shown in the drawings, assume that a train or car enterssection T. Relay R vis immediately cle-energized to release the armature fr', thereby disrupting the main circuit for the magnet E and closing the main circuit tor the motor M and the lamp circuit lor the lamp 1l. rihus the motor M is energizedV to rotate, and the lamp 1l is illuminated, lli/lith the motor energized, centriluge is rotated tov move the contact tinger 45 into engagement with the contact 47, thus closing the auxiliary magnet circuit to again energize the magnet E. Arm A is now being oscillated by the motor M through the intervcning mechanism, and since magnet E is energized, arm A becomes locked to arm A tor movement therewith. The rocking ol arm A imparts oscillatory movement tothe semaphore l), thereby giving the danger aspect ot the signal, as has been explained. It will be noted that during the oscillation ol the arm A, stud 44 moves contact linger 3) to alternately engage the contacts 4() and 43, and that owing to the location of the contact linger with respect to the arm A, the contact linger engages Contact 43 during a major portion ot the movement ot such ar'n'i. This movement ol the contact linger 39, however, in no way atlccts the magnet E or the motor M, so long as the relay is tlc-energized, hence the swinging movement of the semaphore l) is maintained until the train or ear leaves the section. Should the train or car leave the section at the instant the semaphore is in clear position with the contact linger 39 cngaging contact 40, the energization ot the relay would cause de-eneigization of the motor at such instant as to leave the operating mechanism in the normal position as shown in the drawings. The possibility of the train leaving the section at this instant, however, is remote, so that it is necessary to maintain the motor M energized after the relay is energized, in order to return the seman phore to its normal obscured position when the train leaves the section with the semaphore in a position other than the proceed position. This is accomplished by means of thc auxiliary circuit lor the motor M which is closed when the contact linger 39 engages contact 43 as has been described, so that the motor is n'iaintained energized until the semaphore reaches its proceed position whereupon stud 44 engages and moves the contact linger to disrupt the auxiliary motor circuit thus cle-energizing the motor at such instant as to leave the semaphore in its proceed or obscured position. It will thus be seen that the returning of the signal to its proceed position is insured irrespective of the instant the train or car leaves the section.

lVhen the motor M is (le-energized, centrifuge K moves the contact linger 45 to disrupt the auxiliary circuit for the magnet E,but the magnet is not Cle-energized because the main circuit for the magnet was previously closed through the energization of relay B. Thus the arm A continues to influence the arm A to retain the semaphore D in obscured position between the shields l2.

From the foregoing operation, it will be yident that the magnet E and the motor M are primarily controlled by the relay R, and that subsequent to the energization ot the motor, the magnet is controlled by the lltl motor through the medium o'f the centrifuge X. Such control insures that in the event of failure of the `motor during the time it is causing oscillation of the semaphore, the latter will drop by gravity to an exposed position even should such tailm'e'occur while the semaphore is momentarily obscured between Athe shields. That is, while relay li is cle-energized, magnet E isV controlled-only by centrifuge Contact Llwdi', and should the motor stop, this contact will open and so cause magnet E to release its armature, thus allowing the semaphore to hang vertically in exposed position. Obviously, this eliminates any possibility ont the semaphore being retained in the proceed or obscured position when the. mechanism is deranged. As previously stated, should the magnet E for any reason become cle-energized, the semaphore will drop to vertical or exposed position, which action, together with the above explained control of the magnet by the centrifuge, produces a crossing signal which is incapable ci giving a false indication.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

l. A signal comprising a pendulum semaphore mounted to oscillate, a motor, mechanism interposed between said motor and said semaphore for causing oscillation of the semaphore while the motor rotates continuously in one direction, said mechanism including a clutch for connecting the semaphore with and disconnecting it from the motor, and a speed-responsive device operated by said motor for controlling said clutch.

2. A signal comprising a pendulum semaphore mounted to-oscillate, a motor, mechanism interposed between the motor and the semaphore for causing oscillation of the semaphore when the motor is running and I or holding the semaphore in an inclined position v-:hen the motor is at rest, said mechanism including' a clutch for connecting the semaphore with the -motor, means controlled by said motor for rendering' said clutch operative or inoperative according as the motor is running or it at rest, and auxiliary means independent of said motor controlled means for rendering` the clutch operative when the semaphore is in saidinclined position,

3. A signal comprising a pendulum semavwhore mounted to oscillate, a motor, mechanism interposed between the motor and the semaphore for causing oscillation-ot the semaphore when the motor is running and 'for holding thesemaphore in an inclined position when the motor is at rest, said mechanismV including a clutcn for connect-- ing the semaphore with the motor, means forrcontrolling the energization of said motor7 means for continuing the energization of said motor, after said first means has been operated to cause de-energization thereof, until the semaphore reaches the said inclined position, means 'controlled by said motor for rendering said clutch operative or inoperative according as the motor is running or at rest, and auxiliary means independent oit said motor controlled means for renderingthe clutch operative when the semaphore occupies said inclined position.

4l. A crossing signal comprising a pendulun'isemaphore, a motor :tor causing oscillation of the semaphore, a speed-responsive device operated by the motor, a. contact controlled by said device and closed only when the motor is running, and means governed by said conta-ct for connecting the semaphore with the motor only when the contact is closed. i

5. A signal comprising a pendulum semaphore mounted to oscillate, a motor, mechanism interposed between the motor and the semaphore for causing oscillation of the semaphore when themotor is ruiming and for holding the semaphore in an inclined position when the motor is at rest, said mechanism including a clutch for connecting the semaphore With the motor, a speed responsive devicel operated by said motor, a contact controlled by said device and closed only when the motor isr running, an energizing circuit for said clutch controlled by said contact, and an auxiliary circuit for said clutch including a contact controlled by said mechanism and 4closed only when the semaphore occupies said inclined position.

G. A crossing signal comprising a pendulum semaphore, a moto-r for causing said semaphore to oscillate, a clutch interposed between said motor and said semaphore, electromagnetic means for controlling said clutch, and means controlled by said motor tor governing said electromagnetic means.

7. In combination, a track section, a track circuit therefor including a rela-y; a crossing signal comprising a pendulum semaphore, a motor for causing oscillation of said semaphore, an electrically controlled clutch between said motorA and semaphore, a circuit for said clutch controlled by a front contact of said relay, a circuit for said motorV controlled by a back contact of the relay, a branch around the relayV contact in the said clutch circuit, and means cont-rolled by said motor for closing or opening' said branch according as the mxotor is running or at rest.

8. A crossing signal comprising a pendulum semaphore, a motor for causing said semaphore to oscillate, a circuit for energizing said motor, a contact for opening and closing said circuit, and a branch around said contact and including a second contact controlled by the motor for continuing the operation of the motor afterthe first contact has been opened until the semaphore reachesfa predetermined inclined position.

9. A crossing signal comprising a pendulum semaphore biased to a substantially means operating after said contact has been closed and Ithen' opened to continue the en- Vergization of said motor until the semaphore reaches a predetermined inclined posi- "tion, whereby in the event of failure of said source, clutch orgthe connections between thetwo the semaphore will vremain inl or return to its vertical position.

1011A 'signal comprising` la pendulum semaphore, a motor, mechanism interposed between the semaphore'and the motor for causing oscillation of the semaphore when the motor is ruiming and for holding the semaphore in an inclined position when the VmotorA is at rest, means for controlling the energization of' said motor;` and means for continuing the energization of the motor, after said first means has been operated to cause deenergization thereof, until the semaphore reacheslthe said inclined position. l l1. A signal comprising a pendulum semaphore, a motor, mechanism` interposed between the semaphore and the motor for causing oscillationof the semaphore when the motor is running and for holding the semaphore in an inclined position when the motor is ait rest, a circuit for energizing said motor, including a contact for opening and closing the circuit, and a branch for said circuit around'said contact and including a. secondV contact controlled by said mechanism for continuing the operation of the motor after the first contact has been opened until the semaphore reaches the said inclined position.

l2. A signal comprising a pendulum semaphore mounted `to oscillate,` a motor, mechanism interposed between the motor andthe semaphore for causing oscillation of the semaphore when the motor is ruiming and.v for holding the semaphore'in an ing clined position when the motor is at rest, said mechanism including a clutch for connecting he semaphore with the motor. meansrfor' controlling the energiZaft-ion of said motor, means for continuing the energiisation of Vthe motor, after said firstnnen-V tioned means has been operated t0 cause deenergization thereof, until therrsemapihore reaches said'inclined position, and means including a source of current for energizing said clutch.

13. A signal comprising a pendulum semaphore, a motor for causing said semaphore to oscillate, a circuit including a source of current for energizing said motor, a contact for opening and closing said circuit, a branch for said circuit around said contact and including a second contact controlled by said motor for continuing the operation of the motor after the first contact has been opened unt-il the semaphore reaches a predetermined inclined position, and a clutch interposed between said motor and said semaphore and controlled by said source ot current.

la. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging Visible signal member so arranged that it may be moved by gravity when it. is in its normal initial position; a normally inoperative electric motor; means including two independently movable members through which motion is transmitted from said motor to said signal member to thereby swing the same a plurality of times; electromagnetic means whereby said members may be magnetically connected together so as to move in unison; a holding circuit in which said electromagnetic means is ineluded; a main circuit in which said motoris included and through which current is supplied thereto; a source ot electricity adapted to supply current to said circuits; circuit controlling means adapted to control the flow of current in said circuits; means for preventing a flow of current through said driving circuit should said main circuit be broken; and means fon operating saidA circuit controlling means.

l5. In a railway crossing signal, a swingingsignal member so arranged that it may be moved by gravity when it is in its normal initial position; means whereby said signal member is hidden from view when in its normal initial position; a normally in` operative electric motor; means including two independently movable members through Iwhich motion is transmitted from said motor to said signal member to thereby swing the same a plurality of times;

Velectromagnetic means whereby said members may be magnetic-ally connected together so as to move in unison; a holding circuit in which said electromagnetic means is included; a main circuit in which said motor is included and through which current is supplied thereto; a source of electricity adapted to supply current toi said circuits; circuit controlling-means adapted to control the flow of current in said circuits; means for preventing a flow of current through said driving circuit should said main circuit be broken; and means for operating said circuit controlling means.

16. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; means whereby said member is normally hidden from view; a normally inoperative electric motor adapted to swing said signal member a plurality of times; an oscillating operating member operated by `said motor; an oscillating driving member operatively connected with said signal member; a driving coil carried by one of said members whereby said members may be magnetically connected with one another; amain circuit inV which said motor is included; a driving circuit in which said driving coil is included; ra sourccof electricity adapted to supply current to said circuits; and means adapted to control said circuits.

17. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; a normally inoperative electric motor adapted to swing said signal member a plurality ol' times; an oscillating operating member operated by said motor; an oscillating driving member operatively connected with said signal meniber; a driving coil carried by one of said members whereby said members may be magnetically connected with one another; a main circuit in which said motor is included; a driving circuit in which said driving coil is included; a source of electricity adapted to supply current to said circuits;

means adapted to control said circuits; andV a switch included in said driving circuit and controlled by the current flowing in said main circuit. f

18. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; a normally in operative electric motor adapted to swing said signal member a plurality of times; an oscillating 4operating member operated by said motor; an oscillating driving member operatively connected with `said signal member; a driving coil carried by one of said members whereby said members may be magnetically connected with one another; a holding circuit in which said driving coil may be included; a main circuit in which said motor is included; a driving circuit'in which said driving coil may also be included; means adapted when energized to closev said holding and open said main and driving circuits, and when cle-energized to open said holding and close said main and driving circuits; and a source of electricity for supplying current to said circuits.

19. In a Arailway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; a normally inoperative electric motor adapted to swing said signal member a plurality of times; an oscillating operating member operated by said motor; an oscillating driving member operatively connected with said signal member; a driving coil carried by one of said members whereby said members may vbe magnetically connected with one another;

a holding` circuit in which said driving coil may be included; a main (circuit in which said motor is included; a driving circuit in which said driving coil may also be included; means adapted when energized to close said holding and open said main and drivingtcircuits, and when cle-energized `to open said holding and close said main and driving circuits; a source of electricity for supplying current to said circuits; and a switch included in .said driving circuit and controlled by the. current flowing in said main circuit.

20. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; a normally inoperative electric motor adapted to swing said signalmember a plurality of times; an oscillating operating member operated by said motor; an oscillating driving member operatively connected with said signal inember; a driving coil carried by one of said members whereby said members may be magnetically connected withv one another; a holding circuit in which said driving coil may be included; a main circuit in which said mo-tor is included; a driving circuit in which said driving coil may also be included; means adapted when energized to close said holding and open said main andy driving circuits, and when de-energized to open said holding and close said main and driving circuits; an auxiliary circuit so arranged as to be closed when said means is energized and through which current may iiow to said motor to thereby continue the operation thereof after said means is ene-rgized; a source of electricity for supplying current to said circuits; and means for automatically breaking said auxiliary circuit when said signal member has been returned to its initial position. A

21. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; a normally inoperative electric inotor adapted to swing said signal member a plurality of times; an oscillating operating member operated by said motor; an oscillating driving member operatively connected with said signal meniber; a driving coil carried by one of said members whereby said members may be 'magnetically connected with one another; a

holding circuit in which said driving coil may be included; a main circuit in which said motor is included; a driving circuit in which said driving coil may also be included; means adapted when energized to close said holding and open said main and driving circuits, and when fle-energized to open said holding and close said main and driving circuits; a switch included in said driving circuit and controlled by the current flowing in said main circuit; an auxiliary circuit so arranged as to be closed when said means is energized and through which current may flow to said motor to thereby continue the operation thereof Vafter said means is energized; a. source of electricity orsupplying current to said circuits; and` means for automatically breaking said auxiliary circuit when said signal member has beenv returned to itsinitial position.

A22.: In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; means whereby said memberV is normally hidden from view; a source of electricity; an electric motor operated by current from said source and operatively connected with said signal member and Vadapt-ed to move the same into a visible position a plurality of times; and means for causing` said motor to operate said signal member.

23. Ina railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; means whereby said member is normally hidden from view; a source of electricity; an electric motor operated -by current from said source and operatively connected with said signal member and adapted to move the same into a .visible position a pluralityof times; meansA 25 f or causing said motor to operate said signal member; and means whereby said signal member is caused to' move into a visible `position upona vfailure of said source of said member is normally hidden .from view;

a source of electricity; an electric motor operated by current from said source and d operatively connected vwith said signal member and adaptedr to move the same into a visible positiona plurality of times; means for causing said motor to operate said signal member; and means whereby said signal member is caused to move into a visible position should the circuit through which current is supplied to said motor be broken.

25. InV a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; means whereby said member is normally hidden from view; a source of electricity; a normally inoperative electric'm'otor operated by current from said source and operatively connected with `said signal member. and adapted to move the same into a visible position a plurality of times, and means for controlling the flow of electricity to said motor to operate the Y same.

26. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visiblesignal member; means whereby said member is normally hidden from view; a source oi electricity; a normally inoperative electric motor operated by current from said source and yoperatively connected with said signal member, and adapted to move the same into a'visible position a plurality oi times; means for controlling the flow of electricity to said motor to operate the same; and means whereby said signal member is caused tomove into a visible position upon a failure of said source of electricity to supply current to the system.

`27. In a railwav crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; mea-ns whereby said member is normally hidden from view; a sourceI of electricity; a normally inoperative electric motor operated by current from said source and operatively connected with said signal member, and adapt-ed to move the same into a visible position a plurality of times; means for controlling the flow of electricity to said motor to operate the same; and means whereby said signal niember is caused to move into a visible position should the circuit through which current is supplied to said motor be broken.

28. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; means whereby said member is normally hidden from view; a normally inoperative electric motor operatively connected with said signal meinber and adapted to move the same into a visible position a plurality of times; a source ol electricity; a main circuit in which said motor is included and through which current is supplied t0 said motor; circuit cont-rolling means included in said main circuit; and electrically operated means for operating said circuit controlling means.

29'. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; means wheicby said member is normally hidden from view; a normally inoperative electric motor operatively connected with said signal member and adapted to move the same int-0 a visible position a plurality of times; a source of electricity; a main circuit in which said motor is included and through which current is supplied to said motor; circuit controlling means included in. said main circuit; electrically operated means for operating said circuit controlling means; and electromagnetic means energized by current derived from said source for holding said signal member in its normally hidden position'.

30. In a railway crossing signal, a swinging visible signal member; means whereby said mem-ber is normally hidden from view; a normally inoperative electric motor operatively connected with said signal member and adapted to move the same into a visible position a plurality of times; a main circuit in which said motor is included and through which current is supplied thereto; an auxiliary circuit through which current may flow to said motor to thereby continue the operation thereof after said main circuit has been broken; circuit controlling means adapted to close said main circuit and open said auxiliary circuit, and to open said main circuit and close said auxiliary circuit; a source of electricity adapted to supply current to said circuits; means for llli,

lll)

operating said circuit controlling,` means; and means for automatically breaking said auxiliary circuit when said signal member has been returned to its initial position.

3l. In a railway crossing signal, a. swinging` visible signal member; a source of electricity; a normally inoperative electric motor operated by current from said source and operatively connected with said signal member and adapted to swing the same a plurality of times; electrically operated means for closing a circuit in which Said motor is included to thereby operate said signal member; and means Jfor moving said signal member intoI a position other than its normal initial position, should the circuit in which said motor is included be broken.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures in presence of two witnesses. 

